THOUSANDS of people flocked to the Durham County Show to enjoy a host of activities at the weekend.

Attendance at the Herrington County Park at Penshaw, near Sunderland, exceeded the 60,000 who attended last year.

Organisers had hoped to see the return of livestock contests after an enforced absence through foot-and-mouth disease.

But they were forced to cancel at the 11th hour because of the lack of entries.

Show secretary Christine Duke said: "It has been an outstanding weekend. We had the weather and we had the crowds. Saturday's attendance more than exceeded that of last year.

The main attraction was the Devil's Horsemen jousting team who thrilled the crowds with their skills of daring.

Visitors were also able to enjoy a display by the Morris 1000 Owners' Club and no less than six model boat regattas on the lake.

Among the appearances on the lake was a 1/6th scale model of Donald Campbell's famous Bluebird.

The 1,500 capacity amphitheatre, the largest outdoor venue in the region, again hosted two days of music by young people, to compliment the sound of brass at the bandstand in the show ground.

More than 27,000 free tickets had been sent to junior and infant schools throughout the area.

More than 1,000 dogs were entered for the dog show, while the flower show included a carnation section which will be expanded to include different sections next year.

Mrs Duke said the show had double the number of trade stands this year, with inquiries already being made for space for the next year.

The show was established in 1841 and up until 1999 it had been held at Lambton Park.

It was cancelled in 2001 because of the foot and mouth crisis and moved to its new home last year.